Today I am featuring those off beat Christmas movies, or ones that take place during the holidays. They still get you feeling festive... but they aren't the obvious picks! :)
10 Non-Traditional Christmas Movies
The Holiday
This is the happiest, feel good-iest, most adorable holiday romcom. Just watch it. :)
Synopsis: Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) are tired of their lives. Amanda is a workaholic who just ended a bad long term relationship, and Iris is a writer who is in a toxic unrequited relationship with her ex. The two women are desperate for a change and exchange homes for the holiday season through a website. Amanda ends up in the English countryside, where there are "no men" until she runs into Iris's brother Graham (Jude Law). Iris ends up in L.A. she has the time of her life in Amanda's fancy home, and a blast meeting Amanda's friends and neighbors. Most notably Arthur, Amanda's elderly neighbor, an authentic old Hollywood director, and Miles (Jack Black), a composer who worked with Amanda's boyfriend. Life changing stuff y'all.
Love Actually
You've probably seen this one by now... but it's another favorite. It's movie made up of multiple plots that slightly intersect. It's the inspiration behind "Valentine's Day" and "New Year's Eve", but MUCH better.... :) While this is a romcom... it's definitely got some drama. And is much more realistic than The Holiday. It's not all happy endings, but it's a really good movie. :)
Synopsis: Various love stories during the holidays. All taking place (mostly) in London. From the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) and his secretary, to the single guy flying to Milwaukee to meet "girls gone wild" ladies, the little boy in love with a school mate to a writer on holiday (Colin Firth) ... there are a lot of laughs and a few tears. Every story is different, each one making the movie a great one to watch.
Bridget Jones's Diary
I had not seen this until last year, but it is heart warming, hilarious, and relateable. We've all had a Bridget Jones type day.
Synopsis: Bridget Jones is 32 years old, and her life is a mess. She wants to make big changes in the new year, so she decides to keep a journal and document changing her life. This movie spans a year, and includes two Christmases, so I think it works for this post! It's really hilariously delightful. I recommend checking it out! Rated R.
While You Were Sleeping
This is one I tend to forget about, but really really love. It's sweet and you can't go wrong with my girl Sandy B.
Synopsis: Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is a train toll operator and is secretly in love with a regular passenger. When he falls onto the tracks one day she saves his life. She follows him to the hospital, where he is in a coma, and his family assumes she is his girlfriend. They take her in for the holidays, and complications arise as she falls for his brother.
The Family Stone
This is my mom's favorite Christmas movie. I kind of love it too, it's a little bit sad, but I love those movies that have big family gatherings in them. :)
Synopsis: When Sibyl's (Diane Keaton) oldest son announces he is bringing a woman home for Christmas she is worried. When her son Everett (Dermot Mulroney) arrives with his girlfriend Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) the whole family is instantly against her, and they don't try to hide it. Sibling shenanigans occur until she is forced to her breaking point. One family member is nice though, Everett's brother Ben (Luke Wilson). When Meredith's adventurous younger sister (Claire Danes) comes to join them, everything is turned upside down. There are also tons of well known actors in this one! This is one where you will laugh, cry, and wish you had a lot of siblings. :)
Little Women
I grew up watching this one. I love the story, it's so sweet an timeless. Though this movie spans years and therefore many seasons, I always want to watch it at Christmastime.
Synopsis: While her husband is away at war Marmie (Susan Sarandon) is left to raise her four daughters Meg, Jo (Winona Ryder), Beth (Claire Danes), and Amy (Kirsten Dunst) and manage her home on her own. The story tells the tale of girls growing up together. They play, fight, grow up, etc. It's very relateable despite the setting. Let's not forget Laurie (Christian Bale), who steals the heart of at least one of the sisters. In the end it's a heartwarming story.
Mean Girls
I haven't seen this in years... but it was a favorite when it came out. While not really a Christmas movie, who can forget this scene... ?
You know this one... :)
Bad Santa
I have never seen this. It always looked kinda silly... but it's on a lot of lists... so I guess I should watch it at some point. Plus, Lauren Graham. Duh. (not quite Lorelai... haha)
Synopsis: Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) and his partner pose as Santa and an Elf every year to pull off a Christmas con. Willie is depressed and turning to alcohol, Willie thinks it's too late for him. His behanvior tips off mall security (Bernie Mac). When Willie is befriended by a kid, he realizes maybe it isn't too late for him after all. - We'll see you guys...
Edward Scissorhands
This is not a Christmas movie... but part of it does take place during Christmas. It was one of my all-time favorite movies in high school. :) If you haven't seen this before, it's a little strange, but a really good movie. Johnny Depp knocks it out of the park as usual. :)
Synopsis: When an inventor creates an animated man, but dies before completing him, Edward (Johnny Depp) is left with scissors for hands. Discovered by an Avon lady he is brought home to live with her. While there he falls in love with her daughter (Winona Ryder). Conflict ensues, as it is hard to be accepted when you have scissors for hands. It's all about acceptance and being different. We can all relate to that right?
Dan in Real Life
I love this movie, and while I usually watch it in the fall, some friends have said that they like to watch it at Christmastime. I love that idea, such a great big family movie, but a little less sad than The Family Stone. :) If you haven't seen it I highly recommend.
Synopsis: Dan is an advice columnist for a newspaper as well as a single dad. He is raising his three girls as best he can, but he's not happy. When the four of them take a trip to visit the whole family, Dan finds what he has been missing. This movie is a little sad, hopeful, honest, and really pretty funny. I love it!
There you have it! 10 non-traditional holiday movies to get you in the spirit.
Other Xmas Movie Posts: 10 Classic Christmas Movies, KC & I's Favorite Christmas Movies, our Christmas Movie Bucketlist 2015.
Have you seen any of these?
Are your favorites as well?
XO,
Alexandra
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